Liberals pledge no plastic bags

The Tasmanian Opposition has promised to ban plastic shopping bags, if it wins government next month.

South Australia has already banned non-biodegradable bags, which have been blamed for polluting waterways and killing wildlife.

The Tasmanian Liberals' Leader, Will Hodgman, says the initiative has been successful, and he would follow suit within two years of winning government.

He has promised to consult retailers.

"Now, in 2003, Coles Bay led the way by showing not just Tasmania, but the rest of the world, how you can ban non-biodegradable plastic bags, how you can make this policy work, how you can improve environmental outcomes, and improve the mindset, the culture in this state," Mr Hodgman said.

Tasmanian retailers have cautiously welcomed the pledge.

Grant Hinchcliffe, from the Independent Retailers Association, says some businesses could save money, by not providing plastic bags.

But he says the ban may be unrealistic.

"There's a large amount of product that is actually wrapped in plastic that you buy from the supermarket, and that you buy from department stores, and in general," he said.

"And at the end of the day, that is not going to be removed.

"So, we can go down the path of trying to reduce plastic bag use, but I mean, plastic bags are always going to be part of our lives."